Hard times require furious dancing

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I have decided not to write a post the previous day for the next day. Remember, this is supposed to be about my daily appreciations. But, I may from time to time go back in time. As mentioned in my previous post that, " Sometimes you might think about something nice that someone did for you. Pick up the phone and call the person, just to say thanks...", which means it might have happened in the past. So, in this post, I'm going to have a little bit of fun by going down memory lane. I must say though that the best thing about this whole exercise, is that, I'm always looking for the good in my everyday life. By so doing, I find that I live my "positive" and I'm loving it!

So, here goes, my appreciations for "tuka" (Soweto/township slang for a long time ago):

1.  Shoes: I may not know what the reasons for the women of the world to love shoes, but mine goes back to my growing up. I never had shoes, for anything at a time. I'd have a pair of church shoes, which I would wear to school (and be teased), at home, on visits and everywhere - which shortened their life span. But because my mom bought me church shoes eight months ago (she had to rotate buying a pair for my siblings (four kids) every two months), the next turn would be school shoes, of which I would do the same and wear them everywhere. For some reason my shoes were a bit mature, my mom would buy me the wedges and high heels, I think in her mind they were supposed to last me till my teenage years... So yes, I'm totally thankful that I can buy shoes for every occasion, including seasons.

2.  Toilet paper: Just imagine what it was like without it - we couldn't afford it? Two words: Yellow pages. I'm saying no more.

3.  Toothpaste: Hallelujah!

4.  Deodorant: I remember growing up, it was luxury. I'm certain that you have smelt the unpleasantness of those without such niceties and have probably been smelled by others when you went without. I have stood and sat by people for whom soap effectively did not exist - it isn't pleasant. I’m deeply grateful for it!

5.  Indoor toilets: Growing up in Soweto, it was simply scary going to the toilet outside at night. I remember being scary of witches, creepy crawlies (we had no street lights or electricity) and criminals of course.

6.  Washing machines (clothes and dishes): Oi! I hated (very strong word but true) washing day! Blankets, clothes and everything by hand. I don't think we're spoiled at all by appreciating washing machines. My sisters and I used to hide the dirty dishes in the oven until there was no more clean ones to use. Nope! Not spoiled at all, love my washers.

7.  Salt: Most borrowed item in the township.

8.  Laughter: There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good. I'm very lucky to be surrounded by people who laugh and giggle a whole lot. It cures a multitude of illnesses, it is probably the most important thing in a person. "Laughter has proven beneficial effects on various other aspects of biochemistry. It has been shown to lead to reductions in stress hormones such as cortisol andepinephrine. When laughing the brain also releases endorphins that can relieve some physical pain. Laughter also boosts the number of antibody-producing cells and enhances the effectiveness of T-cells, leading to a stronger immune system."  Wikipedia

9.  My book Oscar and the lady in pink: The book is composed of the letters of a boy of ten addressed to God. They are found by "Mamie Rose" (who was previously a wrestler), the Lady in Pink of the title, who visits him in hospital in the pink uniform worn by nurses on the children's ward. The letters describe twelve days in the life of Oscar and are filled with funny, moving characters.

I keep buying this book, because every time I lend it out, it has never come back. It is such a lovely book.

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